Cross-protection from seasonal epidemics of human coronaviruses (HCoVs) has been hypothesized to contribute to the relative sparing of children during the early phase of the pandemic. Testing this relies on understanding the prepandemic age distribution of recent HCoV infections, but little is known about their dynamics. Using England and Wales as a case study, we use a transmission model to estimate the duration of immunity to seasonal coronaviruses, and show how cross-protection could have affected the age distribution of susceptibility during the first wave, and could alter SARS-CoV-2 transmission patterns over the coming decade.
New COVID-19 variant identified in Brazilian Amazon spreads faster
A new variant of the virus that causes COVID-19, identified in Brazil, is likely more transmissible than its parent strain because of mutations in the spike protein, according to researchers.
The P1 variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, found in the city of Manaus, has a number of mutations compared to the B.1.1.28 lineage, especially in the spike protein region, says Esther Sabino, one of the researchers involved in its genetic characterization.
This would lead to an increase in its transmissibility, although it is not known currently whether it would also lead to an increased risk of severe infections, researchers say.
COVID-19 variant found in Brazil ‘spreads faster’
Vaccines against COVID-19 arriving in Manaus. Rapid mass vaccination is the best way to prevent the virus from mutating, experts agree. Copyright: Dhyeizo Lemos/Semcom/Fotos, Creative Commons 2.0
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Researchers believe new variant spread from Brazil to Asia
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Patients die of asphyxiation as hospitals in Manaus run out of oxygen
Amid an explosive growth in COVID-19 hospitalizations, the Brazil’s Amazonian capital, Manaus, is experiencing days of terror with a collapse of the oxygen supply in its hospitals.
An entire wing of University Hospital patients died on Thursday night due to lack of oxygen, six people in total. The deaths were reported by the Federal Public Ministry (MPF), which also stated that there was a lack of oxygen in 200 ICU beds that same day. The MPF does not rule out that other people died under similar circumstances.
Shocking images of desperate health professionals, unable to prevent the death of their patients, have caused a national commotion. Videos of the arrival of oxygen tanks in collapsed hospitals, while relatives clamored for the lives of their loved ones, circulated on social media this Friday.